Food, fireworks and a family reunion: 28th annual Sparks Over the Park at Lake Tobesofkee underway

Middle Georgia families celebrated the Fourth of July with live music, fireworks, food and family fun at Lake Tobesofkee’s 28th annual Sparks Over the Park.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  Families and friends from across Middle Georgia came together Friday to celebrate the Fourth of July at the 28th Annual ‘Sparks Over the Park’ event at Lake Tobesofkee. Despite the heat, hundreds of people gathered at the lake, where the air was filled with music and the smells of grills. Aside from the food, families enjoyed…

Monroe County deputies searching for missing man last seen in gray Nissan Altima

Monroe County deputies are asking for help finding Jason Jones, a 48-year-old man last seen in a gray Nissan Altima with tag CZH5798.

Jason Jones (Photo: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing 48-year-old man. According to a post on the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Jason Jones was last seen driving a gray Nissan Altima with Georgia tag number CZH5798. Deputies say Jones has a…

Historic Ingleside Neighborhood Association holds annual 4th of July parade

Residents first began hosting the parade in the 1970s. After a two-decade hiatus, this is the fourth year of the events’ return.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The July Fourth Historic Ingleside Neighborhood Association (HINA) brings out Middle Georgians of different backgrounds, but a shared love for the country. Residents first began hosting the parade in the 1970s. After a two-decade hiatus, this is the fourth year of the events’ return, much to the delight of longtime resident Blair Train….

Rigby’s Water World hosts Fourth of July celebration

Hundreds of visitors from all across Georgia came out to celebrate at the popular water park.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Rigby’s Water World is making a splash this Fourth of July.  Hundreds of visitors from all across Georgia came out to celebrate at the popular water park. The day was packed with exciting events for families, including a whipped cream pie eating competition and a belly flop contest.  Two participants in the whipped cream pie…

Morning Business Report: Jeep tops list of most patriotic brands in America

Jeep has once again been named the most patriotic brand in the U.S., according to this year’s Brand Keys survey of 1,350 companies.

(LILAMAX)- Jeep has once again been named the most patriotic brand in the U.S., according to this year’s Brand Keys survey of 1,350 companies. The iconic off-road vehicle brand, which dates back to World War II, continues to represent freedom, adventure, and American grit. Ford ranks second on the list, with its deep ties to American manufacturing. Many of its…

Hollywood Minute: Shari Lewis documentary, Netflix cancellation, and Ozzy Osbourne reunion

A new documentary is shining a light on a beloved figure in children's television.

(CNN)- A new documentary is shining a light on a beloved figure in children’s television. “Shari and Lamb Chop” tells the story of Shari Lewis, the performer who captivated generations of young viewers with her ventriloquist puppet Lamb Chop. The film explores her ability to connect with children, her creative vision, and her perseverance after her iconic show was canceled….

Trump set to announce new tariff rates as pause ends

President Donald Trump says he plans to send determination letters to foreign countries outlining new tariff rates.

(CNN)- U.S. businesses could soon find out exactly how much they’ll pay in tariffs for certain imported goods. President Donald Trump says he plans to send determination letters to foreign countries — possibly starting today — outlining new tariff rates. “My inclination is to send a letter out and say what tariff they’re going to be paying,” Trump said Thursday….

Doctors, police urge safety as hot car deaths rise in summer

With summer temperatures soaring, Georgia doctors and law enforcement are reminding families that leaving a child in a hot car can quickly turn deadly.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As summer temperatures rise and families are on the move, safety officials are urging parents not to forget their most precious passengers: their children in the backseat. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 children die each year in the U.S. from heatstroke after being left in a hot car. So before you…

Boaters urged to follow safety laws during Fourth of July weekend

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is joining a nationwide effort to reduce boating under the influence during the busy July 4 holiday weekend.

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding those planning to head out on the lakes this Independence Day weekend to stay alert while boating. A big concern during this holiday weekend is life jacket safety.  Wes Freeman, a Georgia State Game Warden with the DNR, says every person on board should have…

UPDATE: Fourth person arrested, charged with murder in Autumn Trace Apartments shooting death

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 751-7500 or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.

Keino Bibbs (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (7/3/25): A fourth person is now in custody and charged with murder after a deadly shooting at Autumn Trace Apartments on June 5. According to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office news release, investigators identified 18-year-old Keino Shantez Bibbs of Macon as a suspect in connection with the death of Marcus Cunningham Jr. Bibbs…

Warner Robins man sentenced to 12 years for heroin trafficking

The charges stem from a September 7, 2024, incident when Perry police responded to a 911 call about a possible overdose at the Best Western hotel in Perry.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Warner Robins man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to heroin trafficking, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. 57-year-old James Edward Kelly Jr. entered a guilty plea on July 3 to trafficking heroin. He was sentenced to 25 years, with the first 12 to be served in…

Warner Robins teen dies after shooting; two arrested on murder charges

Victim identified as 18-year-old Qwamaine Lewis; suspects arrested in Americus after BOLO issued

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — An 18-year-old died Wednesday evening after being shot on South Houston Lake Road in Warner Robins. Two suspects have been arrested and charged with felony murder. Warner Robins Police responded to the shooting at 154 S. Houston Lake Road around 7:46 p.m. on July 2. When officers arrived, they found Qwamaine Lewis, 18, with a…

Fourth of July pet safety tips from Bibb County Animal Control

Another tip is to keep barbecue food away from pets, as spices and grease can upset their digestive systems.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – While fireworks are a highlight of Independence Day celebrations for many, they can be a source of stress and danger for pets. Animal Control Officer Daniel Mitchell with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Animal Enforcement Division said it’s important for pet owners to take steps to protect their animals during the holiday. He recommends keeping pets…

Miss Macon, Miss Central Georgia competition set for July 27

The registration deadline is July 16. For more information, contact April Montgomery at lamusica3@bellsouth.net.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Miss Macon and Miss Central Georgia Scholarship Competition is now accepting applications for its 2025 competition. The event is July 27 at Mount de Sales Academy in Macon. The event is an official open preliminary for the Miss Georgia and Miss America programs, meaning any eligible young woman who lives, works, or attends school in…

Morning Business Report: Trade talks shift, wages rise, coffee competition heats up

U.S. trade officials are scaling back their ambitious global trade goals just days ahead of a key July 9 deadline.

(LILAMAX)- U.S. trade officials are scaling back their ambitious global trade goals just days ahead of a key July 9 deadline. According to The Financial Times, the Trump administration is moving away from its original “90 deals in 90 days” push and instead pursuing phased agreements with select countries. Sources say the European Union may agree to a 10% tariff…

Hollywood Minute: Hollywood Walk of Fame reveals 2026 class

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has announced its Class of 2026 — and it's packed with big names across film, music, and television.

(CNN)- The Hollywood Walk of Fame has announced its Class of 2026 — and it’s packed with big names across film, music, and television. Among the newly named honorees: film stars Timothée Chalamet, Emily Blunt, Demi Moore, and Molly Ringwald. Music legends Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony will also receive stars, while Sarah Michelle Gellar, Gordon Ramsay, and…

Georgia drivers warned about congestion, DUI enforcement ahead of July 4

Millions of people are expected to hit the road this holiday week, leading to safety warnings and DUI enforcement across Georgia.

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Millions of Americans are expected to travel this week for Fourth of July celebrations.  According to AAA, Wednesday is the busiest travel day of the year. This year, traffic is anticipated to potentially break previous records. More than 72 million people across the nation are expected to travel at least 50 miles…

Police: Teen in critical condition after Warner Robins shooting

Police say a teenager was found with a gunshot wound at a strip mall on South Houston Lake Road in Warner Robins.

UPDATE:Warner Robins teen dies after shooting; two arrested on murder charges.  Victim identified as 18-year-old Qwamaine Lewis; suspects arrested in Americus (July 3, 2025) PREVIOUS STORY: WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Police are investigating a shooting Wednesday night that left a teenager in critical condition at the hospital. According to a Warner Robins Police Department news release, a male in…

Former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter honored with post office dedication

Speakers described the former first family as staying true to their small-town roots in their journey to the White House. But Chenise LeDoux, Southern Area Vice President for USPS, says it was their work after that — building homes, fighting diseases, and promoting peace with the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity — that made the name dedication a no-brainer.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)PLAINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Today, the United States Postal Service office in Plains was renamed in honor of the 39th U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The building now known as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office means a great deal to the Carter family. “When dad ran for office,…

Restaurant manager wanted for theft at Jack’s in Montezuma

Police say the manager of Jack’s Restaurant in Montezuma is wanted for theft after an investigation pointed to an inside job.

Montezuma Police DepartmentMONTEZUMA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Police are searching for a restaurant manager accused of stealing money from a safe at Jack’s Restaurant in Montezuma on Saturday, June 28. According to a Montezuma Police Department Facebook post, the theft appeared to be an inside job. Investigators believe the suspect had knowledge of both the alarm system code and the safe…

Forsyth to host Fireworks Over Forsyth event on July 5

Kemie Childs, director of the Main Street Downtown Development Authority, said the event is free and open to the public.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Forsyth Main Street will host Fireworks Over Forsyth on Friday, July 5 to celebrate Independence Day. The free, family-friendly event begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public, according to Kemie Childs, director of the Main Street Downtown Development Authority. Live music will be provided by Not Your Average Band, and the fireworks show…

Macon Bacon set to host Coastal Plain League All-Star Weekend at Historic Luther Williams Field

The Coastal Plain League All-Star Weekend starts Sunday with a fan fest and home run derby, followed by Monday’s game at Luther Williams Field.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – For the first time in franchise history, the Macon Bacon are hosting the Coastal Plain League All-Star Game at historic Luther Williams Field, their home for the past eight seasons. As festivities start this weekend, team president and owner Brandon Raphael shared what the event means for the organization and the city. “We’ve been asked by…